Prototype Overview

Visit calebeng.weebly.com for more information.
A prototype axis of a DIY CNC hot wire foam cutter. Just a model to see how well the combination of a threaded rod and a drawer slide work together.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• diy
• CNC
• hot
• wire
• foam
• cutter
• VAWT
• howto

[shortyumpire]

You will find that a shorter piece of fuel line as a coupling will reduce backlash. A long piece, like you have allows for much more twist in the hose before transferring that energy to the threaded rod. I hope to have helped. Show us what you've cut with it!

[Caleb6543]

@shortyumpire Thanks for the tip. I have a series of videos showing the build of a Hot Wire CNC. I made it with all pivot joints and the hose was shortened as you suggest. If you'd like to see it, the first video starts with the concept drawing by searching "Hot Wire CNC v2" or checking out my channel.

[lennyf1957]

nice, but what’s it for?

[Caleb6543]

@lennyf1957 It was for a CNC hot wire foam cutter. But I've changed the design in part based on what I learned from this prototype.

[Vitaliy711]

Why the fuel line coupling? Why not

Use something a little more rigid and

strong? Other wise, great video cant wait

to see it all run together!

[Caleb6543]

@Vitaliy711 A flexible coupling is used between motors and drive screws to allow for misalignment. A rigid coupling could result in high stresses. It is possible to put a rigid coupling in there, but everything would have to be precision machined. Another alternative is to mount the motor right to the shaft and have a flexible bracket connecting the motor to the rest of the system.

[ehu42]

Nice prototype - wish I had that kind of patience :-) My experience with the brass bushings has not been so good. I find that the material is so soft the threads from the rod bite into it and cause significant friction - especially if there is and lateral stress induced from the sled. For the extra little bit of money, I'd encourage a bearing mount like you have made put on the other end as well.

[rikkiesix]

Looks good.

its a great idea with that rail at the bottom.

Your a smart man. :-)

I also used some hose to connect my motor to my wind turbine blades and seems to work great.

Greetings from Belgium

Erik

[Vitaliy711]

@Caleb6543

Oh, well i see, thank you. hope everything turns out well!

Looking forward to see the progression!

[Caleb6543]

@Vitaliy711 I could buy a nice professional coupler for about $18, but at this point, I'm trying to see if it is possible to get by with inexpensive materials. You never know where the limits are until you break something. :-)